Sherman shows support for S Thomas, LB Foster

Richard Sherman spoke out on behalf of a former teammate as well as a new one on Saturday. Although no longer a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Sherman still has a warm spot for former Legion of Boom member Earl Thomas. The cornerback also has shown support for new teammate Reuben Foster. Sherman, who is now a member of the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers, said that Thomas should get paid with the latter's current contract with the Seahawks set to expire after the 2018 season. "I think Earl Thomas deserves the money he's asking for," Sherman told NFL Network's Michael Robinson on Saturday. "I think he deserves to be compensated as the top safety in the league. Whether Seattle does that or not is up to them." Sherman noted how critical the six-time Pro Bowl selection is to Seattle's defense. "Obviously, that man plays at a high level and the defense doesn't really work without his contribution," Sherman said. "I think after a while you show a certain level of respect to your players who've put in the time. And he's been a great example of dedication and perseverance, and just incredible excellence. So obviously he deserves to get paid, but whether they pay him or not is up to them." Thomas is entering the final season of the four-year, $40 million extension he signed in 2014, which now ranks sixth among safeties in terms of annual average, according to Spotrac.com. Seattle general manager John Schneider has stated that Thomas' agents have informed him that Thomas won't hold out. Thomas, a three-time first team All-Pro, has been the subject of trade speculation this offseason, with reports citing the Dallas Cowboys as a potential trade partner. The 29-year-old Thomas has made 642 tackles, 25 interceptions and five fumble recoveries after being selected by the Seahawks with the 14th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Texas. As for Foster, the 49ers linebacker will learn this week if he is going to stand trial on domestic violence charges -- although those chances may have dropped after his ex-girlfriend recanted her story. Foster is due back in court on June 20 for a hearing in his marijuana possession arrest last January, the Tuscaloosa County (Ala.) District Court clerk's office confirmed to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Friday. Foster was arrested on the second-degree misdemeanor charge on Jan. 12 and released after posting $2,500 bond. Regardless of the outcome of the case, Foster could be subject to discipline under the NFL's substance abuse policy. "You know, I've had conversations with him," Sherman said. "Obviously he knows mistakes have happened in the past and he's trying to move past it. He's doing his best to deal with the situation the best he can. Basically, he's an incredible young man. We're all human beings and I think that's what society forgets -- that we all make mistakes. "These young men are under a microscope that most people don't have to deal with. And, obviously, he's handling it the best he can, but I'm trying to do my part to just be a good teammate and be there for him in any way I can. And I think he's going to be fine." Foster, 24, in his second year with the 49ers after a standout rookie season, has not participated in the team's offseason program since being charged with domestic violence in mid-April. The 49ers said he will not take part in the start of organized team activities on Monday and officials said they will consider his future with San Francisco after his legal problems are settled.